Panther Cubs Press

This is how we Take Chances, Make Mistakes and Get Messy! Our little Panther Cubs are learning to ROAR with pride and how “we do school”!

Dear Luce Road Families,

As we wrap up the month of January, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful learning and growth we have seen across our school. January has been a month of renewed focus, steady routines, and strong perseverance from our Panther Cubs as they settled back into school after winter break.

Throughout the month, classrooms have been reinforcing the foundations that help students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. Our students have worked hard on:

• Reestablishing consistent classroom routines and expectations
• Practicing our ROARS behaviors throughout the school day
• Using Tucker the Turtle strategies to manage big feelings
• Strengthening problem solving skills and independence
• Building stamina for learning, transitions, and teamwork

One word that truly defined January was perseverance. We saw students pushing through challenges, staying focused during learning tasks, and continuing to try even when things felt difficult. This perseverance was especially evident during our winter benchmark assessments.

Based on the winter benchmark data, we are excited to share that we saw strong growth in our students educational journeys. These assessments, including NWEA and reading and math screeners, help us understand where each child is currently performing so we can:

• Plan targeted next steps in instruction
• Provide small group support where needed
• Offer enrichment and challenge for students who are ready

These assessments are not high stakes and are not used for report card grades. Instead, they guide our teaching and help us better support every Panther Cub’s continued growth.

As we continue to celebrate perseverance, we are looking forward to sharing the winners of our January challenge next week. Our students have worked hard, and we cannot wait to recognize their efforts and achievements.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. January has been a strong and productive month, and we are excited to carry this momentum into February and beyond. We look forward to many more moments of growth, learning, and joy here at Luce Road.

Warmest Regards,

Mr. Ernest Conerly

Principal/Program Administrator

Luce Road Early Childhood Learning Center

We are excited to celebrate the 100th Day of School in Kindergarten! This special day helps students recognize how much they have learned and grown since the first day of school. We will be counting, creating, and completing fun “100-themed” activities throughout the day. Thank you for supporting your child’s learning journey — we are so proud of them!

Dear Luce Road Panther Cub Families,

We are excited to share that we are launching Panther Paw Power Up, a fun and positive partnership between home and school to encourage and celebrate our Cubs for making great choices. Through this program, school staff recognize and name those great choices, and families reinforce them at home with praise, encouragement, and simple rewards. Over time, students learn that showing their ROARS is part of who they are, not just what they do at school.

What is Panther Paw Power Up and why does it matter?

Panther Paw Power Up is our school wide system for catching students making great choices and recognizing them with Panther Paws when they show their ROARS:

• Respect Others

• Act Responsibly
  

• Stay Safe

It is more than a ticket or a prize. Panther Paw Power Up helps students learn that doing the right thing feels good on the inside. It builds confidence, helps them feel proud of themselves, and supports a calm, kind, and safe school. Over time, children begin to make positive choices because it is who they are, not just because an adult is watching. The school will no longer attach an extrinsic motivator to students collecting Panther Paws!

How can families help?

You play the biggest and most important role in helping Panther Paw Power Up be successful. When students know you are cheering them on, they work harder. They begin to see that home and school are on the same page and believe that showing and following their ROARS is part of who they are.

Here are some ways you can support your Cub at home:

• Talk about ROARS
  Ask your child, “How did you Respect Others, Act Responsibly, or Stay Safe at school today”

• Check in daily
  Ask, “How many Panther Paws did you earn today”
  Celebrate every Paw, big or small.

• Set simple goals or fun challenges
  “Let us see if you can earn three Panther Paws this week for staying safe.”
  “This week, let us focus on Respect Others and see how many Paws you earn for being kind to friends.”

How you can Celebrate and Encourage Success

• Give a high five, a hug, a note in the lunchbox, a sticker at home, or an extra bedtime story when your child meets their goal.

• You may also choose to attach an extrinsic motivator, such as a special treat, toy, or family reward, to celebrate your child’s hard work.

Thank you for all the ways you support your child and our Luce Road community. If you have any questions about Panther Paw Power Up or our PBIS work, please reach out.

Warmest Regards,

Luce Road ECPBIS Team!

🧥 Dress for the Weather

Please help your child come to school dressed for the changing fall weather. Our Panther Cubs go outside 3 to 4 times a day, and mornings can be chilly.

• Check the weather each morning to help your child dress appropriately.

• Send a jacket or hoodie and closed-toe shoes every day.

• Students are expected to go outside each time, so being prepared helps them stay comfortable and focused.

• Label all items with your child’s name so we can return lost items quickly.

Thank you for helping keep our Cubs comfy, safe, and ready to play all day long! 🐾

As we return back to school - Please label your Panther Cub’s belongings, including backpack, coat, lunch box, and water bottle.

Please make sure you send a change of clothes in for your student. Sometimes accidents happen and it’s helpful for them to have a change of clothes.

Please make sure ALL of your student’s belongings are labeled with their name! If it gets lost, staff will know who to return it to!

We have had some exciting changes here in our childcare center! We are opening up a new room and we have new Teachers!

Welcome to our new Toddler Preschool teacher, Olga Irvin.

Hello my name is Olga Irvin,and I go by Mrs. Irvin. I’m excited to be your

child’s Lead Teacher in 3 1⁄2 to 5 yr old room child care room.

This is my 5th year at the school. It’s my third year teaching at Luce Rd.

Last year I co taught in the GSRP Preschool/Lead Tuition based Teacher.

The other two years I was a Teacher Assistant in the classroom.

I am currently attending college to finish up my degree in Early Childhood

Education.

I was born in Detroit and raised in Alma, MI. I graduated from Alma High

School 1996. I lived in Alma most of my life, then moved to Ithaca 9 years

ago. I've one granddaughter. I have been married for 29 years. I have 3

boys (Zach,Elijah and Malachi). I also have a dog named Thor and I have

chickens too.

Help us welcome Miss Maici to our 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 year old room!

Please help us celebrate our NEW room with our lead teachers Brea and Arden!

Our new child care room at Luce Road is designed for children 18–30 months! We are now accepting registrations.

Tuition Rates:
• $45 per day for 4 days or fewer
• $40 per day for all 5 days OR $200 A WEEK

* 3 DAY MINIMUM REQUIRED*

Spots will be limited, so we encourage families to register early. To register please email Kimberly Hamad at almachildcare@almaschools.net.